I’ve had clinical depression for five years, and I’ve had my ups and downs with it throughout time. I’m a sophomore in college, and this year my depression and social anxiety have taken a particular toll on me. I had to drop three classes last semester and the classes I did get credit for, I only had average grades. This semester has been very bad. I’ve barely gone to class during the past month. I’ve done no homework. And please don’t lecture me about this. I know it’s not good, but this is not simply a matter of me being lazy. In fact, I’m actually in the honors program at my school. Depression is a serious, debilitating thing. I WANT to be a better student. I just can’t right now. I am getting help currently through my school counseling center, who will also help me with the financial aid office, academic advisors, etc. Anyway, I was thinking about taking a medical leave of absence from school for my depression. It’s costing me so much to be here, and it’s just a waste at this point. I’m unmotivated, I’m unhappy, and I have no clue what direction I want my future to go in. I really feel that taking time off of school is going to be the best option for me. That being said, I also don’t want to go home. I understand that leaving school would be my responsibility, so I may not deserve many options, but hear me out. College isn’t helping me but I don’t think going home would either. I absolutely love my family very much, but with three younger siblings, living in my house can be extremely chaotic, loud, and stressful. It doesn’t make me feel good. Also, I’ve lived in the same place nearly my entire life. I am so tired of typical Midwest suburbia. It’s all I’ve ever known, and I’m so over it. It’s boring, dull, and gross. I honestly hate it. What I’d ideally like to do is move somewhere else on my own and work. The ideal situation for me would be me being able to move down to Florida and work at Walt Disney World. Disney has always been my number one passion and it is my dream to work for a company that has given so much to me. I understand that working there takes a lot of effort, but it’s different from what I’m currently doing at school. I also understand that working at Disney is not all magical fun and games. It’s a job. But at least with this job I know I will be making a difference and I’ll probably feel a better sense of purpose. At least by working, I will be doing something productive while I figure out who I am and what I want while I get better. I just know that sitting at home doing nothing, or working at a Subway, is not going to help me. I do feel that I am well enough to live independently. I’ve never been suicidal and I have no problem taking care of myself and my basic needs. I’m just not in a good place right now. I’m completely unmotivated and I just hate where I am. I’m not exactly sure what I’m asking here. I guess I’m just worried that I probably won’t be able to support myself on my own while working a minimum wage job, but I also don’t want to burden my parents by asking them for help. Has anyone had a similar experience or any experience at all from taking a medical leave of absence? What did you do with your time off? How should I handle this situation? I am obviously going to continue to work with my school counselor and discuss all of this stuff there, but I just wanted to see if I could get some real life, real experience input. Sorry that this is a mess, I will be happy to clear anything up. Thank you!
I never took an offical medical leave but I did take time off from college for my own issues with depression and anxiety. During that time I really used to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. The previous school I had been at was great, but I felt that after my leave I didn’t want to come back to that school. I took about three months off and during that time I took classes at my community college and lived at home. I also looked at other options besides going back to school. Eventually, I decided that I do really enjoy the academic life and setting and picked a different school that was closer to home to attend. I love it here and I am super happy with my choice. Now of course I have days that I feel terrible and question everything, but I keep moving forward.
However, sometimes school isn’t the answer or it isn’t the right time which is fine. Maybe you want to work for a couple of years and go back to school later or not even at all. I always say to do what makes you happy, not what makes your parents happy, or society happy, but you. Because honestly it is your life.
I think the idea of working at Disney would be interesting. I am glad that you see that it wouldn’t be easy working there because I don’t want you to feel disillusioned by it. Have you looked into the Disney College Program? My friend is doing it now and absolutely LOVES it. I am pretty sure they give you housing. You will take classes I believe but they are geared towards business and Disney. My other friend graduated from that program and has permanently moved to Florida and is working at Disney after she got a full time job offer. I think this would open a lot of doors for you and it something you should consider.
I think you should bring people you trust and value their opinions into the situation. So your parents, perhaps, and your therapist. Discuss the pros and cons of each idea you have and create a game plan for how you should move forward. In the meantime, continue to take care of yourself. Depression is a real problem and it totally sucks, but self care is very important! Best of luck!
I have a daughter who suffers from anxiety and ended up taking a year off. It was the best thing she ever did. During the break you sought treatment and focused on getting well. She also took the time to reevaluate what you wanted to do. She did return to school and is still dealing with issues but mentally she is in a far better place.Taking time off to get well is not the end. It is a detour. You can still finish college when you recover if that is what you want.
Based on what you wrote your focus needs to be 100% on taking care of your health. All else is secondary. I fully understand that at your age you want independence and want to get as far away from your hometown as possible. That is a healthy and normal feeling. I get it. However right now you need a support system. That support system likely is your family. Moving to Florida means no local support.
You do not sound like you are in a good place to move to a new area, find work and start a new job. Starting a new job in a new state is stressful for anybody. It is probably not realistic at this point. Will your parent financially support this? Moving and getting establish in a new place can be expensive. You will likely need the basics, a car, money for deposits, health insurance and money for doctors and co-pays.
I’ve actually applied to the Disney College Program! That would be ideal. Just waiting to hear back, and also a little worried because my grades are screwed for this semester and I don’t know how salvageable they are. I think I may have to withdraw from this semester, which would mean no program, but I’m not sure yet.